Newspaper Seedling Starters

In an effort to get my watermelons and pumpkins planted, I had to do a bit of recent for reusable containers that I could find around the house. I ended up finding a very useful tool on the Urban Gardener website.

This useful technique involves creating seedling pots from newspaper! All you need is some newspaper and a small soup can.

One of the great things about these little pots is that you can plant them directly in the ground once the plants are ready to transplant. Since the newspaper decomposes, this sturdy container provides a good home while the plant germinates and then keeps the plant from damage during transplanting.

Newspaper Pots

Irrigating Your Garden

Before long, your plants will be in the ground and growing quickly. This means that they will require lots of water. Since summer rains can be hard to predict, it could be wise to irrigate your garden. Watering by hand with a watering can is more than adequate, but if you have lots of gardens or just a large plot in general, irrigating could be a more efficient solution.

Water dripping for a black irrigation hose.

Last summer, I took a few scraps of black irrigation hose home from work to put in my garden. One of the gentlemen I worked with suggested I pick up a hose attachment from the local hardware so I could attach it to my house water spicket.  After doing this, I ran the irrigation line through my summer and winter squash plants to see how it would work. It worked beautifully! Because the hose has pre-made holes already placed at consistent intervals (6, 9, or 12 inches), I could place the holes near the plant's roots without water the rest of the non used garden space which just generates weeds.

I would definitely consider purchasing some of this hose if you are looking for a watering solution.

Enjoy!


Photo courtesy of DripWorks.com